Lippitz visits arts and crafts shows, building an artists` network that includes such area talents as Rita Sargen Simon of Evanston (welded bronze and silver wearable sculptures), Pat Rued of Chicago (leather clothing and purses), Sara Drower of Wilmette (hand-painted jackets and blouses) and Phyllis Hanson of Crystal Lake (hand-woven cotton and jersey).

Her business was built the old-fashioned way: by word of mouth. She has had no formal training in design but says she taught herself the basics by reading and doing.

Married at 18, Lippitz began decorating friends` apartments and homes two decades ago while rearing four children. Her interest in wearable art was sparked by a handmade stained-glass necklace in a New York art gallery.

She slowly began acquiring more unusual handmade clothing and jewelry, occasionally making her own pieces, such as fringed suede tunic tops. After friends complimented her sense of style, she decided to pursue her fashion consulting and design career full-time.

Lippitz says she has always leaned toward the unusual in fashion. ``When my teenage friends wore bobby sox, I had on tights,`` she says. ``I never wanted to look the same.``

Some of her wardrobe pieces, such as a white handwoven coat, are close to 20 years old. Her favorite is a ``ribbon coat`` decorated with small strips of colorful silk made by a Wisconsin fiber artist. ``Some of the pieces in my collection are eclectic,`` she says, ``but they will never be dated.``

In addition to wardrobe consultations, Lippitz coordinates fashion shows, many for charitable causes. For information: 835-2666.